Here are seven key stories on outpatient spine trends and news:
The future of spine and ASCs: Trends to watch
From physician income to super groups, two industry leaders discussed emerging trends in spine and ASCs at the Becker's ASC 23rd Annual Meeting in Chicago. The panel included Sev Hrywnak, MD, CEO of the SEV Group, and Chris Bishop, CEO of Regent Surgical Health, and was moderated by Barton Walker, JD, partner at McGuirewoods. The panel touched on five key trends in the space: bundled payments; hospital acquisitions; super groups; physician incomes; and powerful patients.
Dr. Mark Giovanini performs 1st spine surgery with Avenue T
Pensacola, Fla.-based NeuroMicroSpine's Mark Giovanini, MD, performed the first outpatient transformational lumbar interbody fusion with the FDA-approved Avenue T device from Zimmer Biomet. Avenue T is a lumbar interbody device, incorporating integrated, zero-profile VerteBRIDGE plating and is cleared for use with supplementation fixation.
Cervical total disc replacement proves safe & effective in outpatient setting
In a study published in Spine, researchers compared patient outcomes for those undergoing single-level total disc replacement in the cervical spine versus those undergoing single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in an ASC. TDR patients demonstrated statistically significant intragroup improvements in VAS neck and arm pain scores as well as NDI scores. Researchers concluded surgeons may safely perform TDR procedures in ASCs with positive clinical and patient-reported outcomes, compared to ACDF.
Understanding the impact of the CMS 2017 ASC payment rule on spine procedures
Jeff Hignite, of ECG Management Consultants, shares insights on how the new CMS 2017 ASC payment rule will affect spine procedures. The policy changes contained in the rule signal that the reimbursement environment for spine surgery is continuing to evolve, and this shift is not confined to Medicare.
ASCs with total disc replacement spinal surgery
Surgeons across the nation are performing total disc replacements in ambulatory surgery centers. Check out 24 of them here.
Stryker courts ASCs with Ascential spine device, inventory management solution
Stryker introduced a new implant delivery solution for low-acuity spine surgeries designed for the ASC. The new solution, Ascential, offers sterile-packaged implants, customized service levels and a streamlined distribution model. It is intended for operational efficiencies, competitive pricing and reduced operating costs for ASCs.
Dr. William Tobler performs 1st outpatient RIALTO SI fusion using O-arm technology
Cincinnati-based Mayfield Brain & Spine surgeon William Tobler, MD, performed the first sacroiliac joint fusion at an outpatient surgery center utilizing Medtronic's RIALTO system in the United States. The RIALTO system features O-arm and StealthStation technology for 3D navigation.